Once your cat is eating regularly, using the litter box, and showing curiosity about the door, they're ready to start exploring beyond the safe room.

But this should be a gradual, controlled process—not an overwhelming free-for-all.

Week 1-2: Safe room only (or until they're visibly comfortable)

Week 2-3: Introduce one adjacent room. Open the safe room door and let them venture out on their own timeline. Keep the safe room accessible—they should be able to retreat anytime.

Week 3-4: Gradually expand access to more rooms. One or two new rooms per session.

Before giving full access, cat-proof your home:

• Remove hazards: Toxic plants, small objects they could swallow, exposed electrical cords

• Secure hiding spots: Provide cat trees, cardboard boxes, or furniture they can duck under in every room

• Block escape routes: Ensure windows and doors are secure

• Set up multiple resources: If you have a multi-level home, place litter boxes, water bowls, and resting spots on each floor

It's incredibly common for cats to eat less—or not at all—during their first 24-48 hours in a new home.

Stress suppresses appetite, and right now, your cat is processing a major life change. Don't panic if they barely touch their food on Day 1.

Normal:

• Eating small amounts or picking at food for the first 1-2 days

• Eating only when you're not in the room

• Preferring one type of food (wet vs. dry) initially

Cause for concern:

• Not eating or drinking anything for more than 24 hours

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Extreme lethargy combined with not eating

️ If they haven't eaten in 24 hours, call your vet. Cats can develop serious liver issues if they don't eat for just a few days.

• Stick with familiar food from the shelter

• Warm it up (5-10 seconds in microwave) to make it more aromatic

• Offer variety: different textures (pâté, shreds, chunks)

• Use high-value toppers: tuna juice, bonito flakes, plain cooked chicken

• Hand-feed: offer a small amount on your finger

• Create a calm environment: feed in quiet area

Nighttime crying or yowling is one of the most common—and most frustrating—behaviors new cat owners face.

But here's the good news: It's usually caused by one of a few fixable issues, not a permanent personality trait.

1. High Energy & Loneliness: Cats are naturally crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). If they haven't burned off energy during the day, they'll be zooming around at 3 AM.

2. Hunger: If your cat eats dinner at 5 PM and you don't wake up until 7 AM, that's a long time without food.

3. Attention-Seeking: If crying results in you getting up, you've taught them that crying = attention.

• Tire Them Out: Play intensely for 10-15 minutes right before your bedtime

• Feed Before Bed: Offer a small portion of wet food right before you go to sleep

• Ignore the Crying: Do not get up, talk to them, or make eye contact. Any reaction reinforces the behavior.

• Ensure Needs Are Met: Fresh water, clean litter box, comfortable sleeping spot

It may take 1-2 weeks of consistency before the crying decreases. Don't give in!

Scratching and play biting are completely normal feline behaviors—your cat isn't being bad, they're just being a cat.

The solution isn't to stop the behavior, but to redirect it appropriately.

Scratching isn't just about sharpening claws. It's multi-purpose:

• Marks territory (visual marks + scent from paw glands)

• Stretches muscles (especially shoulders and back)

• Removes dead outer claw sheaths

• Expresses emotions (excitement, stress, happiness)

Provide alternatives:

• Multiple scratching posts (tall, sturdy, won't wobble)

• Horizontal scratchers (cardboard, sisal mats)

• Different textures (sisal rope, carpet, cardboard)

• Strategic placement: near where they sleep, by windows

Make furniture less appealing:

• Cover with double-sided tape

• Use aluminum foil temporarily

• Apply deterrent sprays (citrus-scented)

Never use your hands as toys

If they bite during play:

• Say "ouch!" in a high-pitched voice

• Immediately stop all interaction and walk away

• Ignore them for 5-10 minutes

• Resume play only with a toy, not your hand

Cats are constantly communicating through body language—you just need to know what to look for.

High and vertical: Happy, confident, friendly

Puffed up: Frightened, defensive, or aggressive

Tucked between legs: Fearful, submissive, anxious

Slow swishing: Focused attention or mild irritation

Fast thrashing: Agitated, overstimulated—stop petting immediately

Forward and upright: Alert, curious, interested

Sideways ("airplane ears"): Nervous, uncertain, or mildly irritated

Flattened back: Fearful, defensive, or angry—do not approach

Slow blink: The ultimate sign of trust and affection ("cat kiss")

Dilated pupils: Excitement, fear, or playfulness

Constricted pupils: Aggression, overstimulation, or intense focus

Half-closed eyes: Relaxed, content, sleepy

Relaxed, lying on side/back: Ultimate trust and comfort

Arched back with puffed fur: The "Halloween cat" pose—frightened or defensive

Crouched low, body tense: Fearful or preparing to attack

Sitting upright, loaf position: Comfortable but alert

Even healthy cats can experience minor health issues as they adjust to a new home. Stress weakens the immune system temporarily.

Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, reduced appetite

What to do: Most mild cases resolve in 7-10 days. Ensure they're eating and drinking. Use a humidifier.

Call vet if: Not eating for 24+ hours, high fever, difficulty breathing

Causes: Stress, sudden diet change, parasites, food intolerance

What to do: Monitor for 24-48 hours if mild. Feed bland diet (plain boiled chicken, plain pumpkin)

Call vet if: Lasts more than 48 hours, blood in stool, paired with vomiting

Signs: Visible worms in stool, scratching ears excessively, scratching/biting skin

What to do: Schedule a vet visit for deworming and flea treatment. Most parasites are easily treatable.

The wet vs. dry food debate is one of the most common questions. The truth? Both have benefits, and many experts recommend a combination.

• High moisture content (70-80% water) - helps with hydration

• More palatable - cats usually find it tastier

• Easier to digest

• Lower carbs

• Portion control - pre-measured servings

• Convenience - can be left out longer

• Cost-effective

• Dental benefits (limited)

• Long shelf life

Many vets recommend a mixed diet:

Sample Daily Plan:

• Morning: Wet food (provides hydration, high protein)

• Evening: Wet food OR small portion of dry food

• Occasional snack: Small amount of dry kibble

Choose food that:

Lists real meat as first ingredient

Is AAFCO certified

Is appropriate for life stage

Avoids excessive fillers

Contains taurine (essential amino acid)

Switching your cat's food abruptly can cause digestive upset—vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

A gradual transition over 7-10 days allows their digestive system to adjust.

Days 1-2: 75% Old Food + 25% New Food

Days 3-4: 50% Old Food + 50% New Food

Days 5-6: 25% Old Food + 75% New Food

Days 7-10: 100% New Food

• Mix thoroughly - don't just place new food on top

• Stick to meal times for better monitoring

• Warm up wet food to make it more appealing

• Be patient with picky eaters

• Monitor litter box habits - stool should be firm but not hard

If they experience diarrhea or vomiting, slow down the transition. Go back to the previous ratio for a few extra days.

Water is one of the most overlooked aspects of cat health—yet it's absolutely essential.

Cats evolved in arid desert environments and naturally have a low thirst drive, which means they're prone to chronic dehydration.

Chronic dehydration significantly increases the risk of:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Bladder stones or crystals

• Urinary blockages (life-threatening in male cats)

• Chronic kidney disease

• Constipation

1. Use a Cat Water Fountain: Many cats are attracted to running water. Continuous filtration keeps water fresh.

2. Provide Multiple Water Sources: Place bowls in several locations around your home.

3. Keep Water Fresh: Change water daily and wash bowls regularly.

4. Choose the Right Bowl: Wide, shallow, stainless steel or ceramic (not plastic).

5. Add Water to Food: Mix a little water into wet food.

6. Offer Wet Food: This is the most effective way to increase hydration (70-80% moisture).

General guideline: Cats should drink approximately 3.5-4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily.

Example: A 10 lb cat should drink about 7-9 ounces (roughly 1 cup) per day.

Note: Cats eating wet food will drink less from their bowl (they're getting moisture from food), and that's normal.